No. 21 Mississippi State won its fourth consecutive bowl game in convincing fashion as the Bulldogs dominated Michigan 52-14 in the Progressive Gator Bowl at EverBank Field on Saturday in front of 68,325.
MSU rolled up 485 yards of offense on the day and had the game well in hand by halftime.
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Notes: Born in Louisiana, but played his high school ball in California - highly sought-after recruit who played safety, receiver and running back and chose Michigan over offers from USC, Texas and LSU, among others. Redshirted in 2006. Was credited with five tackles, zero for loss and zero sacks in '07 (nine games). Missed four of the first five contests while nursing a high ankle sprain. Played all 12 games in '08, starting the final 11 at weak-side linebacker, and produced 76-6½-1 with one pass breakup and a forced fumble. Started all 11 games played at WLB in '09, notching 66-3-0 with two pass breakups and two interceptions. Was suspended for the Eastern Michigan contest for punching a Notre Dame player. Led the Big Ten in tackles in '10 by notching 117-8½-2 with two pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 12 starts at the WLB spot. Missed the Purdue game because of a chest injury and did not bench at the Combine as a result of it.

Positives: Athletic and loose-hipped. Can run and hit - flows and has speed to the perimeter when he has a clear path. Flashes striking ability. Drops effortlessly into coverage and has nice ball skills - recruited as a safety.

Negatives: Not strong to stack and shed. Instincts and awareness are lacking. Game lacks physicality and aggression. Questionable pursuit angles. Lacks elite closing speed for an undersized linebacker. Does not play downhill. Average leaper. Footwork and technique need refinement. Rubbed teams the wrong way and came off as rude and immature in Senior Bowl interviews.

Summary: Athletic, oversized safety with underachiever traits who interviewed poorly at the Senior Bowl and timed disappointingly at the Combine. Best chance will be on the weak side in a fast-flowing 4-3 scheme, yet he seems unlikely to buck the recent trend of underwhelming Michigan defensive prospects.